Keeping Your Things Clean In Storage

The U.S. is a consumer-based society and shopping is a favorite past-time of many. Unfortunately, many people aren't always great about getting rid of things, which means it fills up the attic, basement, garage and any other free area. In fact, the number of self-storage facilities more than doubled from 1998 to 2012 because households have more stuff than ever. If you feel like clutter has taken over your home and your life, it's time to take action. By taking a hard line approach to deciding what to keep and what to toss, you will soon find your home has plenty of space for actual living.

Eliminate Duplicates

One problem that you may have is possessing too many duplicate items. Duplicate items are kept with the intention that they can serve as replacements if their twins break. Some of these culprits are floor fans, electronics, kitchen utensils and electrical cords just to name a few. Resist the urge to keep these duplicates. They are taking up space, and purchasing new ones isn't that expensive.

Identify What's Important

When it comes to choosing items to give away, your emotions can get the best of you. While children's art projects and clothing are sentimental, if your kids are in college, you don't need them anymore. One way to identify what is important is to pretend that you are moving and take only one truck. Pick a room to start in, such as the garage, and decide if each item is valuable enough to take up room on the imaginary moving truck.

Tackle the Clothing

Clothing is another item that accumulates quickly. However, many clothing items are out of style or no longer fit. Try on at least one or two items each day to see if you still like them. If you don't, place them in a donation bag. It's a good idea to use this exercise with kids too, as they grow out of clothing quickly.

Organize What's Left

Now that you've gotten rid of everything you don't need, organize everything that's left. Purchase specialized storage options for closets and garages that allow you to use the vertical wall space. Open bookcases with storage baskets are a great option for living rooms, dens, children's rooms and even kitchens. These versatile pieces can hide and categorize all the things that clutter up floors and counter tops.

If a mountain of stuff is taking up the garage space where your car should be, it's time to take back your life. If needed, break up the de-cluttering process over the course of a long weekend or for 30 minutes each day. Before you know it, your home will feel larger and you will feel like a load has been lifted.

For more information, contact Rock Solid Storage LLC or a similar company.